“He exemplifies the qualities every kid aspires to achieve and his name is the first that comes to mind when we think of his sport,” the network said in a statement.

Beginning his career in 1992 at Manchester United, Beckham went on to win six Premier League titles, the FA Cup twice and the UEFA Champions League in 1999. After playing four seasons with Real Madrid, he signed a five-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy, winning back-to-back MLS Cup Championships in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, he spent his last professional season with Paris Saint-Germain, where the club won its Lique 1 title.